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Chattanooga, TN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Breed bans
None -- explicitly not recognized
Basis for designation
The dog's own conduct only
Who decides
City Court after citation, hearing
Governing law
§§ 7-64, 7-73(c), Article V

Summary

Chattanooga's dangerous-dog law is breed-neutral by design: the City Code bars any Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or similar dog designation from being recognized if it rests solely on the dog's breed.

No such designation as a Potentially Dangerous Dog or Dangerous Dog or any similar such designation shall be recognized by the City of Chattanooga if such designation is based solely on the breed of the dog.

Source: Chattanooga Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Chattanooga City Code § 7-73(c) states that no designation of a dog as Potentially Dangerous, Dangerous, or any similar designation will be recognized by the City if that designation rests solely on the dog's breed. Under § 7-64(b)-(c), whether a dog is designated potentially dangerous or dangerous instead turns entirely on the dog's own conduct -- unprovoked chasing, attacking, or biting a person or animal -- decided by the City Court after a citation and hearing. There is no ordinance in Chattanooga's code that bans or singles out any specific dog breed.

Violations & Fines

There is no breed-specific violation to enforce; a dog can only be cited and restricted under Article V if City Court finds its own conduct meets the Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous Dog criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chattanooga ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
No. City Code § 7-73(c) says no Potentially Dangerous or Dangerous Dog designation, or similar restriction, will be recognized if it's based solely on breed.
How does Chattanooga decide if a dog is 'dangerous'?
Only by the dog's own behavior under § 7-64(b)-(c) -- unprovoked chasing, attacking, or biting -- decided by City Court at a hearing, never by breed alone.

Sources & Official References

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How Chattanooga compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee animal ordinances overview

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